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That's Why I'm Here [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

James Taylor - That's Why I'm Here [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] Audio CD

A fair review of the James Taylor "That's Why I'm Here [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all James Taylor reviews here, or go back to the James Taylor tabs.

Band: James Taylor
Title: That's Why I'm Here [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Rating:

Release Date: 2008-04-01
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: That's Why I'm Here 2: Song For You Far Away 3: Only A Dream In Rio 4: Turn Away 5: Going Around One More Time 6: My Romance 7: Everyday 8: Limousine Driver 9: Only One 10: Mona 11: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 12: That's Why I'm Here (Reprise)

Yep,That's Why He's Here!
It's been said that no matter what decade,whether it be the 70's up to today that no one delivers such high quality musical consistancy like "sweet baby James". Well here's yet another treasure unknown to me from an era that shaped much of my interest in American pop culture-the mid 1980's. There will always be those who will write him off as a singer-songwriter throwback who keeps going beyond his time but his musical reputation proves them wrong again and again. The man can not only write,play and sing his head off but he can create lyrical imagry of great calming (hense his misunderstood status as easy listenting) or biting commentary,either social or romantic. Not to mention his knack for redoing other peoples songs when the spirit moves him. Now this is a recording that really showcases all of this. Production wise this album is the epidome of good taste for the era;it's definately contemporary as of 1985 but the instrumentation is always used to emphasize the great melodies and JT's terrific voice. The title song sets the stage as he lovingly (and laughingly) touches on his personal traits,even the people who "pay good money to hear him sing Fire And Rain again and again and again",so it's clear he's aware how musically reliable he is-and sounds pretty proud of it. "Turn Away" has the same kind of sweetly dancable kind of feel. "Only A Dream In Rio" is very much classic JT-laid back,easy going but always with the strong hint of darkness that has made him so endearing. And there's plenty of that on "Going Around One More Time","My Romance","Everyday" and the somewhat bouncier "Only One". For those still attached to his classic sound of the Sweet Baby James era "Song For You Far Away" and "Mona",with their warm folksy settings reminds one how enduring JT's distinctive musical stamp really is. As stated in another review James always has a gift for throwing down a great R&B tune now and then,either in a bluesy or a funky style. Well the former applies to "Limousine Driver",a bit of an edgier diversion from all the easier going music surrounding but it certainly makes this a well rounded listen. Even though this is an album approching it's silver anniversary the sound,feel and general musicianship isn't all that far from JT's most recent album of originals October Road. Doesn't make him predictable. Just reminds everyone. . . . well that's why he's here. What more can be said?.

Very Good Music, Excellent Sound!
I simply love the sound of this CD. This review refers to the 1990 pressing of this CD not the remastered version. The drums are up there in the mix and sound great. Plenty of dynamic range. This is what CD's should sound like.

He is here to sing to *You*
His recording "Dad Loves His Work" came out when he and Carly Simon were breaking up, at least partly over the fact that he spends so much time on the road (reflected in the title of the album). James Taylor *loves* to play to live audiences. His 2-CD "Live" set conveys the energy he brings to the stage and the rapport he has with his audiences.

And performing is what the title cut boils down to -- after a couple of nice Tayloresque verses lead logically to the chorus (which is where the name of the song is), he starts singing to YOU. Yes, YOU, there, in the fourteenth row, or YOU, way back on the lawn seats at his outdoor venues. "Fortune and fame, what a curious game / Perfect strangers call you by name / Pay good money to hear "Fire and Rain" / again and again and again. / Some are like summer coming back every year / Got your baby, got your blanket, got your bucket of beer / I break into a grin from ear to ear / and suddenly it's perfectly clear / That's why I'm here". Yes indeed, that's why he's here. He absolutely loves what he does.

The title cut is the one that is worth the price of admission for me, in that he's explicity communicating with his listeners, enjoys it immensely, and all the positive energy comes thru. In "Only a Dream in Rio", he conveys his excitement and wonder from a visit to Brazil. With a chorus singing in Portuguese in the middle of the tune, he sings about having a remarkable experience there ("my heart came back alive"), and takes you along with him.

Songs from this CD which have become staples in his tours include "Everyday" (a sunny song about budding love), "Only One", a love song that, on tour, is largely sing by his backup singers, and the title cut. There's plenty to like here; this set of songs captures many of Taylor's moods, from the calming "Song For You Far Away" to the bouncy "Turn Away". It's a very good effort. . . however. . .

He's got one song which, for this listener, is just plain misguided. I am referring to "Mona", which is a song that starts out sounding like a generic love song, but the lyrics turn, and you find out that's Mona is a pig. (And has been dispatched and buried, the pig being "too damn old to eat". ) It's humorous the first on the first couple of hearings ("seeing you as a little football by your mama's side"), but wears out its welcomes quickly. Knocking off one star just for this song.

Other than that, a solid selections of his marvelous handiwork.

One Of His Best
Originally released as an LP in 1985, That's Why I'm Here, is peppered with songs penned by Taylor, as well as songs by some other great songwriters, including his brother Livingston Taylor and also a song (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), by the powerhouse song crafters Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It is rare for James Taylor to release anything but great music, and this CD is one of his most brilliant later career recordings.

I remember watching the video of the cut from this LP 'Only A Dream In Rio' on MTV when the album was first released. I immediately rushed out to buy it on cassette. In a way that cut is a branch off of what is now considered 'World Music. Only A Dream In Rio, is a root off of the old tree!

The biggest commercial hit on the album was the title cut, That's Why I'm Here. This song is basically a tribute to all of Taylor's fans who attend his concerts year after year only to "pay good money to hear Fire And Rain, again and again and again. " My personal favorite on the album is 'Only A Dream In Rio', which has a chorus in Portuguese. Wonderful song!

In my opinion, there is not one bad cut on the entire CD. I have listened as I write this review and the entire album finished before I knew it, so I've clicked the remote for another listen.

This late career classic James Taylor album will not disappoint die-hard Taylor fans and should even bring some new fans into the fold.

.

How Sweet It Is....
I can't seem to stop listening to this disc. . especially "Only a Dream in Rio". I loop it on my stereo and play it over and over! One of my favorite albums of all time!.

You can see a complete list of all James Taylor discography, or go back to the James Taylor tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.